In the laboratory, four point charges Q, -Q, Q, -Q are placed at the four ends of a horizontal square of side a, as shown in the figure below. The number of neutral points (where the electric field vanishes) is (a) ∞ (b) 4 (c) 1 (d) zero  a  Q Q a  Q a  a Q?

Question

In the laboratory, four point charges  Q, -Q,  Q, -Q are placed at the four ends of a horizontal square of side a, as shown in the figure below. The number of neutral points (where the electric field vanishes) is (a) ∞ (b) 4 (c) 1 (d) zero  a  Q Q a  Q a  a Q?

Answer

Introduction

In this question, we are given that four point charges Q, -Q, Q, -Q are placed at the four ends of a horizontal square of side a. We need to determine the number of neutral points where the electric field vanishes.

Analysis

To find the neutral points, we need to consider the electric field due to each charge and determine if there are any points where the total electric field is zero.

Electric Field due to a Point Charge

The electric field due to a point charge Q at a distance r from the charge is given by Coulomb's Law:

E = kQ/r²

where E is the electric field, k is the electrostatic constant, and r is the distance from the charge.

Electric Field at the Center of the Square

Let's consider the electric field at the center of the square. Since the charges are placed at the four corners of the square, the electric field due to each charge at the center will have the same magnitude but opposite direction.

The two charges Q will produce electric fields that point towards the center, while the two charges -Q will produce electric fields that point away from the center.

Since the magnitudes of the electric fields due to Q and -Q are the same, and they have opposite directions, the net electric field at the center of the square will be zero.

Electric Field at Other Points

At any other point within the square, the electric field due to the two charges Q will not cancel out completely with the electric field due to the two charges -Q. Therefore, there will be no neutral points within the square where the electric field vanishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is only one neutral point in this configuration, which is at the center of the square. At any other point within the square, the electric field will not vanish. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) 1.

Answer

Infinte

Answer

A. infinite

Answer

Infinity

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